Ready for the Road: Essential Pre-Trip Maintenance

August 13, 2024

Ready for the Road: Essential Pre-Trip Maintenance for Your Sprinter Van RV

As summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the road for that final summer getaway. If you’re planning a road trip in your Ram Sprinter or Mercedes Sprinter van RV, ensuring your vehicle is "road trip ready" is essential. At Wayside Garage, we understand the importance of preparing your vehicle for long journeys. Here's a guide to the key maintenance tasks you should consider before you embark on your next adventure.

Why Pre-Trip Maintenance Matters

Long road trips can put a significant strain on your Sprinter van, especially when it's fully loaded with gear, supplies, and passengers. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures the safety of everyone on board. Whether you're exploring national parks or heading to the coast, a well-maintained vehicle means more time enjoying the journey and less time worrying about potential issues.

Key Maintenance Services to Consider

Before hitting the road, consider these essential maintenance services to keep your Sprinter van running smoothly:

1. Oil and Filter Change

Your engine oil is crucial for keeping the engine components lubricated and running efficiently. It's recommended to change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles or six months. Fresh oil not only improves performance but also enhances fuel efficiency, which is critical during long drives.

2. Comprehensive Inspection

A thorough inspection of your van before a road trip can identify potential problems before they become major issues. Our complimentary inspection, recommended every 5,000 miles or six months, covers essential areas like brakes, tires, and fluid levels to ensure your vehicle is in top condition.

3. Tire Check and Alignment

Tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road, making them vital for safety and performance. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, have sufficient tread, and are free of damage. Additionally, a wheel alignment, suggested annually or every 10,000 miles, will help prevent uneven tire wear and improve handling.

4. Brake System Inspection

Your brakes are essential for safely navigating mountain roads and sudden stops in traffic. Regular brake inspections, along with brake fluid service every two years, help ensure that your Sprinter van’s braking system is reliable and responsive.

5. Battery and Air Filters

Long road trips demand a lot from your vehicle's electrical system, so it's wise to check your battery's condition. Replacing the cabin and engine air filters annually or every 10,000 miles helps maintain good air quality inside the van and keeps the engine running efficiently.

6. Cooling and Transmission Services

Driving long distances can cause your engine and transmission to heat up, especially in summer. A cooling system service every three years ensures your engine doesn’t overheat, while a transmission service keeps your gears shifting smoothly, avoiding potential breakdowns.

Final Checks Before You Go

In addition to the above services, a few quick checks can save you from potential headaches on the road:

- Lights and Wipers: Ensure all lights are functioning properly and that your wipers are in good condition for any sudden weather changes.
- Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Spare Tire and Tools: Verify that your spare tire is in good condition and that you have the necessary tools for a tire change.

Enjoy the Journey

Taking these steps before your trip can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable road trip and one plagued by vehicle troubles. At Wayside Garage, we’re here to help you get road trip ready. Schedule a pre-trip inspection today and enjoy peace of mind on your upcoming adventure.

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ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.